Chemical hair relaxers and straighteners have been a staple of beauty routines for millions of women—particularly women in the Black community, who have used these products for decades. These products were sold as safe, everyday cosmetics. But scientific research has now established a connection between long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and significantly increased rates of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. For the women affected, this is not just a health crisis—it is a matter of accountability for the companies that manufactured and marketed these products while allegedly knowing about the risks.

What Makes Chemical Hair Relaxers Dangerous

Chemical hair relaxers work by breaking down the protein bonds in hair to permanently alter its texture. The chemicals used in this process—including formaldehyde, phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds—can be absorbed through the scalp during application. The scalp is particularly vulnerable to chemical absorption, especially when products cause burning, irritation, or lesions, which is a common experience for users.

Repeated exposure to these chemicals over years or decades can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. Endocrine disruptors interfere with the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones, which has been linked to the development of hormone-sensitive cancers in reproductive organs.

The Cancers Linked to Hair Relaxer Use

Research has identified elevated cancer risks among long-term hair relaxer users, particularly for uterine cancer, which develops in the lining of the uterus and is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, ovarian cancer, which is often diagnosed at advanced stages and carries a high mortality rate, and endometrial cancer, which affects the tissue lining the uterus. Women who used chemical hair relaxers frequently and over long periods face the highest risk. The studies are consistent and compelling: regular use of these products is associated with a meaningfully increased chance of developing these cancers.

Who Is Filing Claims

The hair relaxer cancer litigation has grown to include nearly 11,000 lawsuits as of early 2026, consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation. The women filing these claims used products manufactured by companies including L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, Revlon, and others. Eligible claimants are women who used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners regularly and were diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer. Bellwether trials—the first cases selected to go before a jury—are expected in the near future, with settlement payouts anticipated to begin in 2027.

Compensation Available

Women who developed cancer after long-term hair relaxer use may be entitled to compensation for cancer treatment costs including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, lost income during treatment and recovery, pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and future medical care and monitoring. The most significant payouts are expected for women with advanced-stage cancers and those who can demonstrate long-term, consistent use of these products.

If you used chemical hair relaxers and were diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, you are not alone. Thousands of women across the country are seeking accountability. Beverly Wilshire Law APC can evaluate your case at no cost. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a consultation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.